The Awards showcase the great contributions made by people and projects to enhance the county’s countryside and develop urban green spaces - and saw some exciting new initiatives taking place across Bedfordshire.

Seven projects were awarded the top CPRE Mark. Now in its sixth year, this is the highest number of CPRE Marks given in one year to projects by the branch. This is excellent news for Bedfordshire, showing that there is great work being done.

Bringing to wider recognition the individuals, community groups, landowners and businesses that make special efforts to enhance Bedfordshire’s rich and diverse landscape, the awards reflect the enjoyment and environmental benefits brought to local communities through these inspiring projects that often go unnoticed.

Commenting on the awards, CPRE Bedfordshire chair, Gerry Sansom, said:

“The entries into this year’s Living Countryside Awards demonstrate the number of inspiring projects underway which positively impact the evolving character of Bedfordshire’s countryside and urban areas. This is why we take such pride in running the award ceremony; to recognise and celebrate those who are making a difference today and for future generations”.

This year’s top CPRE Mark winners were:

BUILDING DESIGN & RESTORATION

Bassmead Manor Barns, Staploe

A major development of existing and new farm buildings designed to create a stylish new destination wedding venue has been carried out with impressive attention to detail. The site has a scheduled monument comprising a moat and a magnificent 300 year old wooden barn which is now equipped to host the wedding service. Alongside, a new timber framed building has been constructed and older buildings have been restored using traditional building methods, providing further facilities and creating a stunning development that respects its history and surroundings.

St Mary’s Old Church & Observation Tower, Clophill

Clophill Heritage Trust has found imaginative ways of restoring an important heritage building, making use of it for educational and leisure purposes and eliminating the antisocial activity that had blighted the site for many years. A new stairway installed inside the church leads to an observation platform giving all round views of beautiful countryside. Nearby Eco Lodges for walkers on the Greensand Ridge, are being built, which will provide an ongoing means of income for the project.

BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT

John O’Gaunt Golf Club, Sandy

Steve Thompson, a greenkeeper at the Club, has been enthusiastically promoting wildlife on the golf course he cares for for a number of years. This conservation work includes the installation of bird boxes, reinstatement of heathland and monitoring of riverside wildlife and bird populations. He has recently put into place Operation Pollinator, which entails sowing large areas with wildflower seed and providing habitats to encourage bees. He also encourages interest in the wildlife on the golf course by running nature walks, having a display board at the golf course and has contributed his experiences to magazines.

Jubilee Wood, Biggleswade

An ambitious project has developed a new public access open space on the edge of the town, close to large new housing developments taking place. Eight thousand trees of mixed native species have been planted over 4.5 hectares - half of them by local volunteers - and a further 100 fruit trees of local heritage are already bearing fruit. The project has a strong educational theme as well as providing a welcome public amenity.

SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE

Chris Dodson, Master Thatcher

Chris Dodson is a master thatcher, proudly representing the fourth generation of a family whose work has contributed to the beauty of Bedfordshire’s buildings over many decades. His entry listed thatching works across Bedfordshire, including a cottage in Bromham he was working on when the judges visited. He displays a high level of skill in working long straw and water reed, much of which is grown in the county. A further indication of the sustainability of the business is his commitment to authentic, traditional methods of harvesting and installation and to the training of future thatcher’s.

Mrs Middleton Ltd, Lilley

Two sisters have created an enterprising business, producing high quality cold-pressed rape seed oil at Barton Hill Farm, farming in a way that enhances biodiversity on the land. The idea came from the realisation that many visitors to the countryside have little knowledge of how healthy, good quality foodstuffs are produced. The oil bottles show a map reference to indicate exactly in which field the seed was grown and bears a Made in Bedfordshire label. The company is set to become a leading sustainable food producer, with the oil already being used in top restaurants and selling at farm shops across England. The enterprise has also diversified into flour, which is ground locally at Stotfold Mill.

Golden Gardens, Goldington

Two community gardens created from disused garages have transformed a concrete wasteland into a valued asset for the local community. Volunteers produce flowers and vegetables, and goods can be packaged in small quantities for elderly residents. The site includes a café that provides a lively social venue for volunteers and local residents, and the raised beds for cultivation enable wheelchair users to take a full part too.

Other projects that received awards are as follows:

Building Design & Restoration

Linden Cottage, Harrold : Silver

Ridgmont Heritage Centre, Ridgmont : Silver

The Old Barn, Wick End, Stagsden : Commended

War Memorial, Carlton : Commended

Top Farm House, Colmworth : Commended

SOE Memorial, Tempsford : Commended

Harpers Food, Pepperstock : Commended

Biodiversity & Landscape Improvement

The Foragers Way, Linslade : Silver

New Footpath at Poppy Hills Lake, Henlow : Silver

Sand Martin Wall, The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Mortaine : Silver

Millennium Garden & SOE Memorial, Tempsford : Commended

Hedgelaying, Harlington Garden Cemetery : Commended

Lousy Bush Nature Reserve, Wrestlingworth :Commended

Sustainable Enterprise

Harpers Food, Pepperstock : Silver

Woburn Golf Club Reservoir : Silver

Haynes Allotments : Commended

Cornfields Restaurant, Colmworth : Commended